On the first of September, 2023, 14 year-old Harris Wolobah was reported having died suddenly after consuming one of the spiciest tortilla chips in the world; the Paqui One Chip Challenge product. Paqui then issued an urgent recall of the One Chip Challenge on the 7th of September, 2023. Despite the response, only ten days after the teen’s passing, Robert Adams Middle School was forced to send home ten students due to them experiencing “physical distress,” following consumption of the Paqui One Chip Challenge product.
What is the Paqui One Chip Challenge?
While stores are working quickly to remove the hazardous product from shelves, many individuals may still be in possession of the non-perishable product.
Originally shared with the public in the year 2016, the Paqui One Chip Challenge has recently taken social media by storm; ranking currently as one of the top TikTok food trends for teenagers. Paqui chips are created by Amplify Snack Brands Inc., which is a subsidiary of the Hershey Company. These chips contain the peppers Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper seasoning; the spiciest known peppers in the world. The Paqui One Chip Challenge also contains the compound capsaicin, which often causes severe throat and nose pain, as well as severe heart, breathing and esophageal issues.
Paqui shared the recall on their website along with a warning, declaring, “The Paqui One Chip Challenge is intended for adults only, with clear and prominent labeling highlighting the chip is not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods…we have seen an increase in teens and other individuals not heeding these warnings. As a result, while the product continues to adhere to food safety standards, out of an abundance of caution, we are actively working with our retailers to remove the product from shelves…” However, the mother of late Harris Wolobah is calling for the company to be shut down entirely.
Parents are encouraged to educate their children on the dangers of social media-borne food trends, and in particular the hazards the Paqui One Chip Challenge poses. If in possession of the afore-described product, individuals may return to the location of purchase for a full refund.
To speak with Paqui regarding comments, questions or concerts, customers should contact the company at 1-866-528-6848.
